Sentinel & Enterprise Fitchburg, MA
Monday, September 7th, 1998
Alan H. Donston, 63 Decorated Marine Corps, Army veteran; served in Korea, Vietnam
FITCHBURG-Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Alan H. Donston, 63, of 101 St. Martin St., died at home Saturday, Sept. 5, after a long battle with cancer.
Born Feb. 13, 1935, in Waterbury, Conn., he was the son of Earl and Mary B. (Grant) Donston. He lived in Wyoming for several years before moving to Fitchburg.
Mr. Donston, a Korean War veteran, served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, leaving the Marine Corps with the rank of corporal. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Medal.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he entered the Army.
Mr. Donston was stationed in Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam, from 1968-69. After that, he was stationed at Fort Devens, serving as an instructor at the U. S. Army Intelligence School there. He retired from the Army in 1974, after 20 years of service, at the rank of Sgt. 1st Class, E-7.
Upon retiring from active service, he became a civilian employee at Fort Devens. He served an additional 19 years as an instructor at the Army Intelligence School.
During his years with the Army, Mr. Donston was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Condust Medal (1st-3rd award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.
Mr. Donston, an avid golfer, was a member of Monoosnock Country Club in Leominster. He also was a member of the North Central Massachusetts Board of Baseball Umpires, and a faithful member of the "Tiny's Retirees Group" in Ayer.
He leaves his wife of 34 years, Marilyn (Leger) Donston; two daughters, Debra Donston-Miller of Fitchburg and Dianne Marie Lozeau of Gardner; a brother, Peter Donston of Wyoming; three granddaughters, two step-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
A funeral with full military honors will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 243 Water St. Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery.
Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Tuesday night from 6 to 9 and Wednesday morning from 10 to 11.
Flowers may be sent, or memorial donations may be made to the HealthAlliance Diversified Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program, 316 Nichols Road, Fitchburg 01420. Donations may also be left at the funeral home.